Public Statements

Issue Position: Illegal Immigration

Issue Position

Congressman Bilirakis strongly opposes illegal immigration. He does not believe we should give amnesty or any other reward to those who have broken our nation's immigration laws because doing so simply encourages continued lawbreaking and greater illegal immigration in the future. He knows that effective immigration control requires strong border enforcement (he has signed a letter to the President urging the construction of the border fence as soon as possible) and eliminating the incentives that encourage individuals to come here illegally.

Gus has introduced legislation to expand a Coast Guard program that collects biometric information on interdicted aliens and checks to make sure they have not repeatedly tried to enter the country.

The effort, which his bill would greatly enhance, would end the practice of catch and release of waterborne migrants. He also is working on legislation to strengthen the student visa program and ensure better monitoring of foreign students once they are in the country.

Gus also has cosponsored legislation to prevent states from issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens, stop birthright citizenship, eliminate the visa lottery, and clarify that the Administration should rigorously enforce the laws of the United States to substantially reduce illegal immigration and greatly improve border security.

Gus also has voted to end funding for sanctuary cities (those that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials on enforcement matters), strengthen interior enforcement, and bolster border controls.